You’ve heard the hype about CBD. Maybe you’ve even tried it, hoping it would ease your anxiety, help you sleep, or soothe nagging pain.
But something felt… off. It didn’t work. Or maybe it did, but only once. Or perhaps you’re diving into CBD and feeling overwhelmed by the jungle of oils, edibles, and flowers out there.
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The truth is, not all CBD products are created equal.
And in a largely unregulated UK market, buying the right product takes more than scrolling through Instagram or grabbing the cheapest option from the health food shop.
If you’re using CBD to support your health, quality is everything. The wrong product can waste your money, or worse, leave you feeling worse off.
Let’s change that.
What to Look for in Safe, Effective CBD Products
1. Understand Where It’s From
It all starts with the plant. High-quality cannabis comes from healthy, well-grown cannabis plants, not industrial crops sprayed with chemicals.
Look for brands that are transparent about:
- Where their hemp/cannabis (hemp is cannabis) is grown
- What farming practices are used (ideally organic or regenerative)
- Whether they test for contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and mould
In the UK, companies have to import CBD products from the US or EU. That’s not inherently bad, but the source should be traceable. If a company can’t tell you where its plants are grown, consider that a red flag.
2. Check for Third-Party Lab Tests (Certificates of Analysis)
This is your number one non-negotiable.
A trustworthy CBD or cannabis product should come with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from an independent third-party lab. This tells you:
- The cannabinoid content (e.g., how much CBD, THC, CBG, etc.)
- The terpene profile (especially important for full-spectrum effects)
- Whether it contains heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, or mould
Don’t just take a brand’s word for it, ask to see the actual lab report. Reputable companies will either post these on their website or happily send them to you.
Tip: Cross-check the batch number on your product with the batch number on the lab report. They should match.
3. Know the Spectrum: Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum vs Isolate
Not all CBD is created equal, and the “type” you use matters.
- Full-spectrum products contain CBD plus other cannabinoids (including trace THC), terpenes, and flavonoids. These work together in what’s known as the entourage effect, boosting each other’s benefits.
- Broad-spectrum is similar but without THC. It still includes other helpful cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Isolate is just pure CBD with nothing else.
If you want therapeutic effects for sleep, anxiety, inflammation, or pain, full-spectrum is usually the most effective. But be cautious if you’re drug tested or sensitive to THC.
4. Watch Out for Wild Health Claims
CBD is not a cure-all. Any company claiming their product cures cancer, eliminates anxiety overnight, or gives you instant results is selling snake oil, not natural medicine.
Instead, look for brands that:
- Focus on education and transparency
- Offer realistic guidance about how CBD or cannabis works in the body
- Encourage you to take a holistic approach (nutrition, stress, sleep, etc.)
At High & Polite, we believe cannabis is a tool, not a miracle. And when used properly, in context, it’s one of the most powerful tools nature has to offer.
5. Packaging, Ingredients & Extraction Methods Matter
It’s not just about what’s in the bottle, it’s how it got there.
- Avoid products with artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Look for clean, minimal ingredient lists.
- Ask about extraction methods. CO2 extraction is widely considered the gold standard, it’s clean, safe, and doesn’t leave chemical residues.
- Choose dark bottles for oils to protect from light degradation and extend shelf life.
If a brand skimps on these basics, it’s unlikely they’ve prioritised quality elsewhere.
6. Buy from Trusted Sources (Not Just TikTok)
Instagram ads and influencer shout-outs aren’t enough. Look for brands with:
- A proven track record
- Independent reviews and testimonials
- Transparency around who’s behind the company and why they started it
Better still, buy from companies aligned with values you trust. If you believe in clean, natural medicine, choose brands that do too.
You wouldn’t trust your health with a random supplement. So don’t trust your endocannabinoid system to a random dropper bottle.
Your Health Deserves Better
Most people trying CBD are doing so because something isn’t right. They’re anxious, in pain, burned out, or looking for a better way than pills and prescriptions. They’re looking for hope. For relief. For some kind of empowerment.
And you deserve that. But that only comes when you use cannabis or CBD properly, starting with products you can trust.
Poor-quality cannabis products can:
- Be contaminated with toxins that burden your liver and immune system
- Contain incorrect or inconsistent dosages
- Lack the full spectrum of compounds that make cannabis truly therapeutic
- Give you the impression “CBD doesn’t work”, when in fact, bad CBD doesn’t work
Don’t waste your time, money, or hope. Choose well.
Want to Learn More About Using Cannabis and Natural Therapies Safely & Effectively?
At High & Polite, we cut through the noise. We believe in educating, not fear-mongering. We believe in helping you make informed choices that fit your body, your lifestyle, and your values.
Our free newsletter gives you:
- Deep dives into cannabis and CBD science
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- Honest reviews and updates on UK regulations
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